Chitinophaga pendula, sp. nov., from an air conditioner condensate drain line.

A Gram-negative, rod-shaped and filamentous bacterium designated MD30BT was isolated from a biofilm hanging in water flowing from an air conditioner condensate drain line in Honolulu, Hawai'i. Based on 1517 nucleotides of the strain's 16S rRNA gene, its nearest neighbours are Chitinophaga rhizosphaerae T16R-86T (96.7 %), Chitinophaga caseinilytica S-52T (96.6 %), Chitinophaga lutea ZY74T (96.6 %), Chitinophaga niabensis JS13-10T (96.6 %) and Chitinophaga ginsengisoli Gsoil 052T (96.5 %). MD30BT cells are non-motile, strictly aerobic, and catalase and oxidase positive. Growth occurs between 10 and 45 °C. Major fatty acids in whole cells of MD30BT are 13-methyl tetradecanoic acid (34.1 %), cis-11-hexadecenoic acid (30.3 %), and 3-hydroxy, 15-methyl hexadecanoic acid (13.3 %). The quinone system contains predominantly menaquinone MK-7. The polar lipid profile contains the major lipids phosphatidylethanolamine, one unidentified lipid lacking a functional group, and two unidentified aminolipids. sym-Homospermidine is the major polyamine. The G+C content of the genome is 47.58 mol%. Based on phenotypic and genotypic differences between MD30BT and extant species in the Chitinophaga, we propose that MD30BT represents a new Chitinophaga species, for which the name Chitinophaga pendula sp. nov. is proposed to accommodate strain MD30BT as the type strain (DSM 112477T=NCTC 14606T).

Guidelines for interpreting the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes and for preparing a Request for an Opinion.

In this paper the Judicial Commission provides general guidance for interpreting the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes (ICNP) and specific assistance to authors, reviewers and editors of a Request for an Opinion, or of other suggestions related to the ICNP. The role of the Judicial Commission is recapitulated, particularly with respect to the processing of such Requests. Selected kinds of nomenclature-related proposals are discussed that are unsuitable as the basis for a Request. Particular emphasis is put on Requests for placing names or epithets on the list of nomina rejicienda, and a dichotomous identification key is provided to guide potential authors of a Request that targets the name of a species or subspecies because of issues with its type strain. To this end, the criteria for the valid publication of such names under the ICNP are revisited. Aspects of other kinds of Requests are also addressed. The study is based on a comprehensive review of all Judicial Opinions issued since the publication of the Approved Lists in 1980. One goal of this paper is to assist potential authors in deciding whether their concern should be the subject of a Request, and if so, in composing it with the greatest chance of success. It is also clarified how to obtain additional help regarding nomenclature-related issues.

Ottowia testudinis sp. nov., isolated from the cloaca of a giant Asian pond turtle (Heosemys grandis).

A bacterial strain designated 27CT isolated from the cloaca of a giant Asian pond turtle was subjected to polyphasic taxonomic characterization. The strain was Gram-stain negative and oxidase- and catalase-positive. It had highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to Ottowia beijingensis GCS-AN-3T (97.6 %) and Ottowia flava GY511T 96.0% and less than 96.0 % to other established species including Ramlibacter rhizophilus YS3.2.7T, Ottowia konkukae SK3863T, Acidovorax caeni E-24608T and Ottowia thiooxydans DSM 14619T. Phylogenetically, strain 27CT formed a branch with O. beijingensis GCS-AN-3T within the Ottowia clade. The genome size was 4.32 Mbp and the G+C content was 65.7 mol%. Strain 27CT shared highest ANIb values with O. beijingensis GCS-AN-3T (82.71/82.73 %) followed by O. oryzae KADR8-3T (78.9/79.0 %) and O. caeni BD-1T (73.3/75.2 %). The diagnostic diamino acid of the peptidoglycan was meso-diaminopimelic acid and the quinone system was ubiquinone Q-8. Predominant compounds in the polar lipid profile were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine. Major polyamines were 2-hydroxyputrescine and putrescine. In the fatty acid profile, summed feature 3 (C16 : 1 ω7c and/or C16 : 1 ω6c), C16 : 0, summed feature 8 (C18 : 1 ω7c and/or C18 : 1 ω6c), C14 : 0, C10 : 0 3-OH and C16 : 0 2-OH were detected. All these data identify strain 27CT as representing a novel species of the genus Ottowia and hence we propose the name Ottowia testudinis sp. nov. The type strain is 27CT (=CCM 9138T=LMG 32213T).

Pseudoneobacillus rhizosphaerae gen. nov., sp. nov., isolated from maize root rhizosphere.

A facultative anaerobic, Gram-stain-positive, endospore-forming bacterium, isolated from the rhizosphere of maize roots (Zea mays), was taxonomically studied. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity comparisons, strain JJ-79T clustered only loosely with Neobacillus species and showed the highest similarity to Neobacillus soli (97.9%). The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities to the sequences of the type strains of other Neobacillus species were 97.5 % and below. Chemotaxonomic features supported the grouping of the strain to the Neobacillus group, e.g. the major fatty acids were C15 : 0 anteiso, C15 : 0 iso and C16 : 0, the polar lipid profile contained the major components diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and an unidentified glycolipid, the major quinone was menaquinone MK-7, and major compound in the polyamine pattern was spermidine. However, the JJ-79T genome assembly did not share most of the 11 conserved signature indels that are indicative of the genus Neobacillus. The average nucleotide identity, average amino acid identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values between the JJ-79T genome assembly and those of the closest relative Bacillaceae type strains were <71, <71 and <25 %, respectively. Physiological and biochemical test results were also different from those of the most closely related Bacillaceae species. As a consequence, JJ-79T represents a novel genus for which we propose the name Pseudoneobacillus rhizosphaerae gen. nov., sp. nov., with JJ-79T (=CIP 111885T=CCM 9045T) as the type strain.

Paenibacillus farraposensis sp. nov., isolated from a root nodule of Arachis villosa.

Strain UY79T was isolated from a root nodule of Arachis villosa, collected at the Esteros de Farrapos National Park, Río Negro, Uruguay. Cells were non-motile Gram-variable rods with central to subterminal oval to ellipsoidal endospores that swell the sporangia. Growth was observed in the range of 15-42 °C (optimum, 30 °C), pH 5.0-9.0 (optimum, pH 7.0-8.0) and with up to 3 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 1-2 %). Strain UY79T was facultative anaerobic, catalase-positive and oxidase-negative. According to the results of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, UY79T belongs to the genus Paenibacillus and is closely related to P. ottowii MS2379T, P. peoriae BD-57T, P. polymyxa ATCC 842T and P. brasilensis PB172T, exhibiting 99.4, 99.0, 99.0 and 98.9% sequence identity, respectively. Average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values with the most closely related type strains were 74.3-88.6% and 38.2-48.7 %, respectively. Major fatty acids (>10 %) were anteiso-C15:0, iso-C15:0, and C16 : 0. Menaquinones MK-7 and MK-6 were the only isoprenoid quinones detected. Major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and an unidentified glycolipid. Spermidine was the predominant polyamine. The DNA G+C content based on the draft genome sequence was 46.34 mol%. Based on the current polyphasic study, UY79T represents a novel species of the genus Paenibacillus, for which the name Paenibacillus farraposensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is UY79T (=CCM 9147T=CGMCC 1.19038T).

Judicial Opinions 103-111.

In Opinion 103, the request to place the name Spirillum volutans Ehrenberg 1832 (Approved Lists 1980) on the list of rejected names is denied because a neotype may be designated. Similarly, because a neotype may be designated, in Opinion 104 the request to place the name Beijerinckia fluminensis Döbereiner and Ruschel 1958 (Approved Lists 1980) on the list of rejected names is denied. In Opinion 105, it is emphasized that the name Rhodoligotrophos Fukuda et al. 2012 does not contravene the Code. The request to orthographically correct Rhodoligotrophos Fukuda et al. 2012 to Rhodoligotrophus corrig. Fukuda et al. 2012 is denied. Opinion 106 addresses two Requests for an Opinion and results in the placement of the epithet hoagii in Corynebacterium hoagii (Morse 1912) Eberson 1918 (Approved Lists 1980) and Rhodococcus hoagii (Morse 1912) Kämpfer et al. 2014 on the list of rejected specific and subspecific epithets. Since this removes all known available earlier synonyms of Rhodococcus equi (Magnusson 1923) Goodfellow and Alderson 1977 (Approved Lists 1980), the request to conserve the epithet equi in this name is denied. In Opinion 107, Thermomicrobium fosteri Phillips and Perry 1976 (Approved Lists 1980) is placed on the list of rejected names as a nomen dubium et confusum. Opinion 108 denies the request to place Hyphomonas rosenbergii Weiner et al. 2000 on the list of rejected names because the information provided to the Judicial Commission is not sufficient to draw a conclusion on this matter. In Opinion 109, which addresses three Requests for an Opinion, the Judicial Commission denies the requests to place the names Bacillus aerius Shivaji et al. 2006, Bacillus aerophilus Shivaji et al. 2006 and Bacillus stratosphericus Shivaji et al. 2006 on the list of rejected names. Instead, it is concluded that these three names had not met the requirements for valid publication. Likewise, the Judicial Commission concludes in Opinion 110 that the name Actinobaculum massiliense corrig. Greub and Raoult 2006 had not met the requirements for valid publication. The Judicial Commission reaffirms in Opinion 111 that Methanocorpusculum parvum Zellner et al. 1988 is the nomenclatural type of Methanocorpusculum Zellner et al. 1988 and further emphasizes that the species was not in danger of losing this status. These Opinions were ratified by the voting members of the International Committee on Systematics of Prokaryotes.

Judicial Opinions 112-122.

Opinion 112 denies the request to place Seliberia Aristovskaya and Parinkina 1963 (Approved Lists 1980) on the list of rejected names because the information provided is insufficient. For the same reason, Opinion 113 denies the request to reject Shewanella irciniae Lee et al. 2006 and Opinion 114 denies the request to reject the name Enterobacter siamensis Khunthongpan et al. 2014. Opinion 115 rejects the epithet of Moorella thermoautotrophica (Wiegel et al. 1981) Collins et al. 1994, which is regarded as a nomen confusum. To assess the consequences of Rule 8, Opinion 116 revisits names of taxa above the rank of genus which should comprise the stem of the name of a nomenclatural type and a category-specific ending but fail to do so. Such names should be orthographically corrected if the sole error is the inadvertent usage of an incorrect stem or be regarded as illegitimate if otherwise. The necessary corrections are made for a number of names. In Opinion 117, the request to designate Methylothermus subterraneus Hirayama et al. 2011 as the type species of the genus Methylothermus is denied because an equivalent action compatible with the Code was already conducted. In Opinion 118, the possible orthographical correction of the name Flaviaesturariibacter is treated, as are the analogous cases of Fredinandcohnia and Hydrogeniiclostidium. The genus names are corrected to Flaviaestuariibacter, Ferdinandcohnia and Hydrogeniiclostridium, respectively. Opinion 119 concludes that assigning Actinomycetales Buchanan 1917 (Approved Lists 1980) as nomenclatural type of the class Actinobacteria Stackebrandt et al. 1997 would not render that name legitimate if Rule 8 remained retroactive. The request is granted but Actinomycetales is also assigned as type of Actinomycetes Krassilnikov 1949 (Approved Lists 1980). In Opinion 120, the possible orthographical correction of the name Amycolatopsis albidoflavus is treated. It is grammatically corrected to Amycolatopsis albidoflava. Six names which could according to Rule 61 be grammatically corrected by anyone are also corrected. Opinion 121 denies the request to revise Opinion 69 and notes that Opinion 69 does not have the undesirable consequences emphasized in the request. In Opinion 122, the request to reject various taxon names of Mollicutes proposed in 2018 is denied because it is based on misinterpretations of the Code, which are clarified. Alternative ways to solve the perceived problems are outlined. These Opinions were ratified by the voting members of the International Committee on Systematics of Prokaryotes.

Judicial Opinions 123-127.

Opinion 123 places the epithet of the name Aeromonas punctata on the list of rejected epithets and clarifies the citation of authors of selected names within the genus Aeromonas. Opinion 124 denies the request to place Borreliella on the list of rejected names because the request is based on a misinterpretation of the Code, which is clarified. There are alternative ways to solve the perceived problem. Opinion 125 denies the request to place Lactobacillus fornicalis on the list of rejected names because the provided information does not yield a reason for rejection. Opinion 126 denies the request to place Prolinoborus and Prolinoborus fasciculus on the list of rejected names because a relevant type strain deposit was not examined. Opinion 127 grants the request to assign the strain deposited as ATCC 4720 as the type strain of Agrobacterium tumefaciens, thereby correcting the Approved Lists. These Opinions were ratified by the voting members of the International Committee on Systematics of Prokaryotes.

Zafaria cholistanensis gen. nov. sp. nov., a moderately thermotolerant and halotolerant actinobacterium isolated from Cholistan desert soil of Pakistan.

A Gram-staining positive, non-spore forming, non-pigmented and non-motile bacterium, designated strain NCCP-1664T, was isolated from Cholistan desert, Pakistan. Cells of strain NCCP-1664T were strictly aerobic, catalase positive and oxidase negative with a rod to coccus growth cycle and can grow at pH 6.0-9.0 (optimum pH 7-8) at 28-45 °C (optimum 37 °C) and could tolerate 0-16% NaCl (optimum 2%). Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that strain NCCP-1664T belongs to the family Micrococcaceae and was related to members of the genus Arthrobacter having highest sequence similarities with Arthrobacter ginkgonis (98.9%), A. halodurans (97.7%) and A. oryzae (97.1%) and less than 97% with other related taxa. DNA-DNA relatedness values of strain NCCP-1664T with above mentioned type strains were found to be less than 54%, whereas digital DDH and average nucleotide identity (ANI) values with A. oryzae were 20.9 and of 74.3%, respectively. DNA G + C content of strain NCCP-1664T was 70.0 mol%. Chemotaxonomic data of strain NCCP-1664T showed the peptidoglycan type as A3α L-Lys-L -Ala; menaquinones as MK-9(H2) (67%), MK-8(H2) (32%) and MK-7(H2) (1%), major fatty acids as anteiso -C15:0 (51.2%), anteiso-C17:0 (9.6%) and C18:1ω9c (6.9%) and polar lipids profile comprising of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, digalactosyldiacylglycerol, small amounts of monogalactosyldiacylglycerol, trimannosyldiacylglycerol and three unidentified lipids. The phylogenomic analyses along with chemotaxonomic data, physiological, biochemical characteristics allowed to describe it as representative of a novel genus, for which the name Zafaria cholistanensis gen. nov. sp. nov. is proposed with the type strain NCCP-1664T (= DSM 29936T = KCTC 39549T).

Paralysiella testudinis gen. nov., sp. nov., isolated from the cloaca of a toad-headed turtle (Mesoclemmys nasuta).

A bacterial strain designated 26BT, which had been isolated from the cloaca of a toad-headed turtle, was subjected to a comprehensive taxonomic study. Comparison of 16S rRNA gene sequences demonstrated that strain 26BT is a member of the family Neisseriaceae. Based on highest similarity values, Neisseria animaloris DSM 21642T (95.15 %), Alysiella filiformis ATCC 15532T (95.06 %), Uruburuella testudinis 07_OD624T (94.71 %), Uruburuella suis CCUG 47806T (94.66 %) and Alysiella crassa DSM 2578T (94.64 %) were identified as the closest relatives. Average nucleotide identity values based on the blast algorithm (ANIb) indicated that U. suis (76.10/76.17 %), Neisseria shayeganii 871T (74.34/74.51 %), Stenoxybacter acetivorans (73.30/73.41 %), N. animaloris (72.98/72.80) %, A. filiformis (71.14/71.21 %) and A. crassa (70.53/71.15 %) are the next closest relatives. Like ANIb, genome-based phylogeny did not suggest the affiliation of strain 26BT with any established genus. The polyamine pattern consisted of the major compounds putrescine, 1,3-diaminopropane and spermidine and the major quinone was ubiquinone Q-8. In the polar lipid profile, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and an ornithine lipid were predominant. The fatty acid profile contained predominantly C16 : 1 ω7c, C12 : 0, C14 : 0, C16 : 0 and C12 : 0 3OH. The size of the genome was 2.91 Mbp and the genomic G+C content was 54.0 mol%. Since these data do not demonstrate an unambiguous association with any established genus, we here propose the novel genus Paralysiella with the type species Paralysiella testudinis gen. nov., sp. nov. The type strain is 26BT (=CCM 9137T=LMG 32212T).

Devosia equisanguinis sp. nov., isolated from horse blood.

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, non-endospore-forming organism isolated from horse blood was studied for its taxonomic allocation. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity comparisons, strain M6-77T grouped within the genus Devosia and was most closely related to Devosia elaeis (97.6 %) and Devosia indica (97.55 %). The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to type strains of other Devosia species was below 97.5 %. The average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values between the M6-77T genome assembly and those of the closest relative Devosia type strains were <85 and <25 %, respectively. Strain M6-77T grew optimally at 25-37 °C (range: 10-36 °C), at a pH range of pH 6.5-10.5 and in the presence of up to 3 % (w/v) NaCl. The fatty acid profile from whole-cell hydrolysates supported the allocation of the strain to the genus Devosia. Major fatty acids were C18 : 1 ω7c, 11-methyl C18 : 1 ω7c and C16 : 0. The quinone system consisted exclusively of ubiquinone Q-10. The polar lipid profile was composed of the major lipids diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and three unidentified glycolipids. In the polyamine pattern, putrescine was predominant and spermidine was detected in moderate amounts. The diamino acid of the peptidoglycan was meso-diaminopimelic acid. In addition, the results of physiological and biochemical tests also allowed phenotypic differentiation of strain M6-77T from the closely related species. Hence, M6-77T represents a new species of the genus Devosia, for which we propose the name Devosia equisanguinis sp. nov., with M6-77T (=CIP 111628T=LMG 30659T=CCM 8868T) as the type strain.

Luteolibacter ambystomatis sp. nov., isolated from the skin of an Anderson's salamander (Ambystoma andersoni).

A bacterial strain designated 32AT was isolated from the skin of an Anderson's salamander (Ambystoma andersoni) and subjected to a comprehensive taxonomic study. The strain was Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped, non-motile, oxidase- and urease-negative, and catalase-positive. 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons placed the strain in the genus Luteolibacter with highest sequence similarities to Luteolibacter pohnpeiensis A4T-83T (95.2%), Luteolibacter gellanilyticus CB-286403T (95.1%) and Luteolibacter cuticulihirudinis E100T (94.9%). Genomic sequence analysis revealed a size of 5.3 Mbp, a G+C-content of 62.2 mol% and highest ANI values with Luteolibacter luteus (71.2%), Luteolibacter yonseiensis (71.4%) and L. pohnpeiensis (69.5%). In the polyamine pattern, 1,3-diaminopropane and spermidine were predominant. The diagnostic diamino acid of the peptidoglycan was meso-diaminopimelic acid. The quinone system was composed of the major menaquinones MK-9 and MK-10. Major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, the unidentified aminolipid AL2, the unidentified phospholipid PL2 and the unidentified aminophospholipid APL1. The fatty acid profile contained major amounts of iso-C14:0, iso-C16:0, C16 : 0 and C16 : 1 ω9c. In addition, C14 : 0, C15:0, anteiso-C15 : 0, summed feature 2 (C14 : 0 3OH and/or iso-C16 : 0 I), and the hydroxylated fatty acids iso-C14 : 0 3OH, iso-C16 : 0 3OH and C16 : 0 3-OH were detected. Physiologically, strain 32AT is distinguishable from its next relatives. Based on phylogenetic, genomic, physiological and chemotaxonomic data, strain 32AT represents a novel species of the genus Luteolibacter for which we propose the name Luteolibacter ambystomatis sp. nov. The type strain is 32AT (=CCM 9141T=LMG 32214T).

Entomomonas asaccharolytica sp. nov., isolated from Acheta domesticus.

Strain F2AT, isolated from the cricket Acheta domesticus, was subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic characterization. Cells of the strain were rod-shaped, Gram-stain-negative and catalase- and oxidase-positive. It did not assimilate any carbohydrates. The strain's 16S rRNA gene sequence showed highest similarity to Entomomonas moraniae QZS01T (96.4 %). The next highest similarity values were found to representatives of related genera (<93 %). The genome size of strain F2AT was 3.2 Mbp and the G+C content was 36.4 mol%. Average nucleotide identity values based on blast and MUMmer and average amino acid identity values between strain F2AT and E. moraniae QZS01T were 74.29/74.43, 83.88 and 74.70 %, respectively. The quinone system predominantly contained ubiquinone Q-8. In the polar lipid profile, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and an unidentified phospholipid were detected. The polyamine pattern consisted of the major compounds putrescine and spermidine. Major fatty acids were C18 : 1 ω7c and C16 : 0 and the hydroxyl acids were C12 : 0 3-OH, C14 : 0 2-OH and C14 : 0 3-OH. The diagnostic diamino acid of the peptidoglycan was meso-diaminopimelic acid. Due to its association with the only species of the genus Entomomonas but its distinctness from E. moraniae we here propose the novel species Entomomonas asaccharolytica sp. nov. F2AT (=CCM 9136T=LMG 32211T).

Pseudomonas carbonaria sp. nov., isolated from charcoal.

A beige-pigmented, oxidase-positive bacterial isolate, Wesi-4T, isolated from charcoal in 2012, was examined in detail by applying a polyphasic taxonomic approach. Cells of the isolates were rod shaped and Gram-stain negative. Examination of the 16S rRNA gene sequence of the isolate revealed highest sequence similarities to the type strains of Pseudomonas matsuisoli and Pseudomonas nosocomialis (both 97.3 %). Phylogenetic analyses on the basis of the 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated a separate position of Wesi-4T, which was confirmed by multilocus sequence analyses (MLSA) based on the three loci gyrB, rpoB and rpoD and a core genome-based phylogenetic tree. Genome sequence based comparison of Wesi-4T and the type strains of P. matsuisoli and P. nosocomialis yielded average nucleotide identity values <95 % and in silico DNA-DNA hybridization values <70 %, respectively. The polyamine pattern contains the major amines putrescine, cadaverine and spermidine. The quinone system contains predominantly ubiquinone Q-9 and in the polar lipid profile diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine are the major lipids. The fatty acid contains predominantly C16 : 0, summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c) and summed feature 8 (C18 : 1ω7c and/or C18 : 1 ω6c). In addition, physiological and biochemical tests revealed a clear phenotypic difference from P. matsuisoli. These cumulative data indicate that the isolate represents a novel species of the genus Pseudomonas for which the name Pseudomonas carbonaria sp. nov. is proposed with Wesi-4T (=DSM 110367T=CIP 111764T=CCM 9017T) as the type strain.

Paenibacillus allorhizosphaerae sp. nov., from soil of the rhizosphere of Zea mays.

A Gram-stain-positive, aerobic, endospore-forming bacterial strain, isolated from the rhizosphere of Zea mays, was studied for its detailed taxonomic allocation. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity comparisons, strain JJ-447T was shown to be a member of the genus Paenibacillus, most closely related to the type strain of Paenibacillus solanacearum (97.8 %). The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity values to all other Paenibacillus species were below 97.0 %. DNA-DNA hybridization (DDH) values with the type strain of P. solanacearum were 35.9 % (reciprocal 27%), respectively. The average nucleotide identity and in silico DDH values with the type strain of P. solanacearum were 84.86 and 28.9 %, respectively. The quinone system of strain JJ-447T consisted exclusively of menaquinones and the major component was MK-7 (96.4 %) but minor amounts of MK-6 (3.6 %) were detected as well. The polar lipid profile consisted of the major components diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and an unidentified aminolipid. Major fatty acids were iso- and anteiso-branched with the major compounds anteiso-C15 : 0 and iso-C15 : 0. Physiological and biochemical characteristics allowed a further phenotypic differentiation of strain JJ-447T from the most closely related species on the basis of d-glucose, l-arabinose and d-mannose assimilation and other physiological tests. Thus, JJ-447T represents a novel species of the genus Paenibacillus, for which the name Paenibacillus allorhizosphaerae sp. nov. is proposed, with JJ-447T (=LMG 31601T=CCM 9021T=CIP 111802T) as the type strain.

Hymenobacter caeli sp. nov., an airborne bacterium isolated from King George Island, Antarctica.

A rod-shaped and Gram-stain-negative bacterial strain 9AT, was isolated from an air sample collected at King George Island, maritime Antarctica. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence reveals that strain 9AT belongs to the genus Hymenobacter and shows the highest similarity to Hymenobacter coccineus CCM 8649T (96.8 %). The DNA G+C content based on the draft genome sequence is 64.9 mol%. Strain 9AT is strictly aerobic, psychrophilic, catalase-positive, oxidase-positive and non-motile. Growth is observed at 0-20 °C (optimum 10 °C), pH 6.0-8.0 (optimum pH 7.0), and in the absence of NaCl. The predominant menaquinone of strain 9AT is MK-7 and the major fatty acids comprise Summed Feature 3 (C16 : 1 ω7c and/or C16 : 1 ω6c; 25.2 %), iso-C15 : 0 (23.2 %), C16 : 1 ω5c (11.6 %), Summed Feature 4 (anteiso-C17 : 1 B/iso-C17 : 1 I) (9.6 %) and anteiso-C15 : 0 (9.6 %). The polar lipid profile consists of the major lipid phosphatidylethanolamine and moderate to minor amounts of phosphatidylserine, unidentified aminolipids, aminophospholipids, aminophosphoglycolipids, polar lipids lacking a functional group and an unidentified phospholipid and a glycolipid. In the polyamine pattern sym-homospermidine is predominant. On the basis of the results obtained, strain 9AT is proposed as a novel species of the genus Hymenobacter, for which the name Hymenobacter caeli sp. nov. is suggested. The type strain is 9AT (=CCM 8971T=LMG 32109T=DSM 111653T).

Leucobacter soli sp. nov., from soil amended with humic acid.

A Gram-positive, non-spore-forming actinobacterium (IMT-300T) was isolated from soil amended with humic acid in Malvern, AL, USA. This soil has been used for 50+years for the cultivation of earthworms for use as fish bait. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity studies, strain IMT-300T was shown to belong to the genus Leucobacter and was closely related to the type strain of 'Leucobacter margaritiformis' L1T (97.8%). Similarity to all other type strains of Leucobacter species was lower than 97.2 %. The average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) values between the IMT-300T genome assembly and those of the closest relative Leucobacter type strain were 81.4 and 23.3 % (Leucobacter chironomi), respectively. The peptidoglycan of strain IMT-300T contained l-2,4-diaminobutyric acid as the diagnostic diamino acid. In addition, glycine, d- and l-alanine and d-glutamic acid were found. The peptidoglycan type represents a variant of B2δ (B11). The major quinones were menaquinones MK-10 and MK-11. The polar lipid profile consisted of the major lipids diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and moderate to minor amounts of two unidentified phospholipids, two unidentified glycolipids and an unidentified aminophospholipid. The polyamine pattern contained major amounts of spermidine and spermine. Strain IMT-300T contained the major fatty acids C15 : 0 anteiso, C16 : 0 iso and C17 : 0 anteiso, like other members of the genus Leucobacter. The results of ANI and dDDH analyses and physiological and biochemical tests allowed a genotypic and phenotypic differentiation of strain IMT-300T from the most closely related Leucobacter species. Strain IMT-300T represents a novel Leucobacter species, for which we propose the name Leucobacter soli sp. nov., with the type strain IMT-300T (CIP 111803T=DSM 110505T=CCM 9020T=LMG 31600T).

Flavobacterium bizetiae sp. nov., isolated from diseased freshwater fish in Canada at the end of the 1970s.

Genome sequence analysis of two strains collected in Canada at the end of the 1970s and deposited in 1998 at the Collection de l'Institut Pasteur has led to the taxonomic description of a novel fish-associated species in the genus Flavobacterium. Both strains, CIP 105534T and CIP 105535, were yellow-pigmented, Gram-stain-negative, non-spore-forming rod-shaped bacteria that exhibited gliding motility. They grew aerobically in a temperature range from 5 to 30 °C with optimal growth at 25 °C on trypticase soy or Reasoner's 2A agar but they did not grow on marine agar. Their major fatty acid profiles were similar, consisting of iso-C15 : 0, C16 : 1 ω7c and/or iso-C15 : 0 2-OH (shown as summed feature 3), C16 : 0 3-OH, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH and C16 : 0. The major polyamine was sym-homospermidine. Phosphatidylethanolamine and, most notably, ornithine-containing lipid OL2 and unidentified aminophospholipid APL1 were major polar lipids. A yellow pigment spot was visible after chromatographic analysis. The predominant respiratory quinone was MK-6. The G+C content of the two genomes was 34 mol% and their size was around 5.8 Mb. Comparison of the 16S rRNA gene sequences with those of the closely related type strains showed high levels of relatedness with Flavobacterium collinsii and Flavobacterium pectinovorum. All average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values estimated against publicly available Flavobacterium genome assemblies were lower than 90 and 30 %, respectively. Phylogenetic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic data indicated that the two strains represent a novel species of the genus Flavobacterium, for which the name Flavobacterium bizetiae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CIP 105534T (=LMG 1342T). The unique ability of F. bizetiae to use melibiose as a sole source of carbon could provide a simple phenotypic test to discriminate F. bizetiae from its closest relatives.

Frigoriflavimonas asaccharolytica gen. nov., sp. nov., a novel psychrophilic esterase and protease producing bacterium isolated from Antarctica.

The rod-shaped and Gram-stain-negative bacterial strain 16FT, isolated from an air sample collected at King George Island, maritime Antarctica, was investigated to determine its taxonomic status. Strain 16FT is strictly aerobic, catalase positive, oxidase positive and non-motile. Strain 16FT hydrolyses casein, lecithin, Tween 20, 60 and 80, but not aesculin, gelatin and starch. Growth of strain 16FT is observed at 0-20 °C (optimum 10 °C), pH 5.0-8.0 (optimum pH 6.0), and in the presence of 0-2.0% NaCl (optimum 0.5%). The predominant menaquinone is MK-6, and the major fatty acids comprise anteiso-C15:0 and iso-C15:0. The major polar lipids are phosphatidylethanolamine, ornithine lipid OL2, unidentified phospholipid PL1 and the unidentified lipids L3 and L6 lacking functional groups. The DNA G + C content based on the draft genome sequence is 32.3 mol%. Sequence analysis of the 16S rRNA gene indicates the highest similarity to Kaistella palustris 3A10T (95.4%), Kaistella chaponensis Sa 1147-06 T (95.2%), Kaistella antarctica AT1013T (95.1%), Kaistella carnis NCTC 13525 T (95.1%) and below 95.0% to other species with validly published names. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene and whole-genome sequences places strain 16FT in a distinct branch, indicating a separate lineage within the family Weeksellaceae. Based on the data from our polyphasic approach, 16FT represents a novel species of a new genus, for which the name Frigoriflavimonas asaccharolytica gen. nov, sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 16FT (= CCM 8975 T = CGMCC No.1.16844 T).

Corynebacterium endometrii sp. nov., isolated from the uterus of a cow with endometritis.

A Gram-stain-positive bacterial strain, designated LMM-1653T, was isolated from a uterus swab from a Holstein Frisian dairy cow in the frame of a clinical sampling trial. The isolated strain, which showed a rod to coccoid shape, was catalase-positive and oxidase-negative. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, its closest relatives were Corynebacterium flavescens and Corynebacterium argatoratense (96.50 % similarity each), suggesting that this isolate represents a novel species. Strain LMM-1653T had a quinone system consisting mainly of menaquinones MK-8(H2) and MK-9(H2). The polar lipid profile showed presence of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylinositol-mannoside as well as one unidentified glycolipid and one unidentified aminoglycolipid. Moderate to minor amounts of three unidentified glycolipids, ß-gentiobiosyl diacylglycerol, one unidentified aminoglycolipid and three unidentified lipids without a functional group were also found. The cell wall contained meso-diaminopimelic acid and the strain also contained corynemycolic acids. The fatty acid profile was predominantly composed of straight-chain, saturated and mono-unsaturated fatty acids, dominated by C18 : 1ω9c and C16 : 0. Since this isolate differs from the nearest related established Corynebacterium species in its genetic and phenotypic traits, a novel species named Corynebacterium endometrii LMM-1653T (=LMG-31164T=CCM 8952T) of the genus Corynebacterium is proposed.